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New terminal for Cardiff Airport possible

Cardiff Airport officials have revealed that a new terminal could be built at the venue over the next 10 years, intended to replace the original structure. The announcement came after the airport released news that during 2016 passenger numbers had risen by 16%. More than 1.3 million people flew from or arrived at the facility, meaning a larger terminal will be needed if traffic continues to rise.

Work will soon begin on a new 10- to 15-year masterplan for Cardiff Airport, with a target of three million travelers passing through by 2026. This would be the maximum capacity for the current terminal. A new building would help numbers grow beyond that.

It is hoped that the private sector will want to buy a stake in the facility, owned by the Welsh government since 2013, to help fund the development. Continued growth is expected in 2017 as more routes are announced.

Roger Lewis, chairman of Cardiff Airport, told the BBC, “This has given us a great sense of confidence on the journey we’re taking. We’re heading for some 2 million passengers a year coming out of Cardiff and our ambition is to get that to 3 million. To achieve that, we’ll need to invest significantly in the infrastructure of the airport and without question, we need to improve our terminal facilities. Within the planning and discussions is a new terminal for the airport and this is something we wish to progress.

“To achieve such significant financial investment, we need to look for equity partners within the airport and it’s something I’m beginning to discuss with the Welsh Government on how we can attract external private investment in the airport to take the enterprise forward.”

Ken Skates, economy secretary, added, “We welcome this ambitious and long-term vision from the airport to deliver the best possible facilities for the people of Wales and would expect any such ideas, with private sector investment, to form part of the airport’s long-term masterplan for future growth and improvements.”